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I started my term during the peak of the revolutionary Idle No More movement. Communities across the coun-try were called to act and show support for Indigenous sovereignty and to protect the land and water. A feeling of hope and fellowship amongst First Nations and non-Ab-original people was widespread. While this was a grass-roots initiative, its beginnings were rooted in the passing of the Federal Bill C38 and the controversial implications to First Nations land and people. A team of leadership and PAGC staff participated in the efforts to support the movement by uniting with First Nation leaders from across Canada to achieve the ultimate goal of empower-ing action by the Federal Government to address First Nation issues.

The Idle No More movement set the tone for beginning my term in office and brought the importance of Treaty Rights to the modern-day front for all Canadians. While the height of the movement has passed, its legacy contin-ues and is forever supported by the Treaty and our Treaty Rights.

I believe in our staff and will continue to make connec-tions with them to ensure they are properly supported to do the hard work ahead. It is my privilege to work with this organization. I look forward to the coming year work-ing with our communities and striving to create opportuni-ties for our people.

■ Hatchet Lake continues to lobby and advocate for the development of an all-season road into their commu-nity, determined to uphold government commitments to the project.

PAGC continues to be a leader in First Nations govern-ment, many of our departments are undergoing strategic and long term planning for the future of our communities. All PAGC staff have worked hard to action the directions provided by leadership and it has been my role to support and ensure that we continue to be forward–thinking and proactive in the programs and services we provide.

■ PAGC Sports, Culture & Recreation was awarded the host Tribal Council for the 2014 Saskatchewan First Nation Winter Games and a host committee has made strides towards planning an amazing sporting opportunity for youth across Saskatchewan.

■ PAGC Education was an active participant in the 9th Annual Western Canadian First Nation Administra-tor’s Education Symposium and was selected to host the National event in the coming year.

■ North of 60 continues negotiations for traditional ter-ritory on behalf of the Dene Nations, striving to unite communities on a collective usage agreement incor-porating sound management practices from past, present and for future uses of the land.

build relationships and enhance my understanding and appreciation for the people and places that make up our membership. Understanding that success for one person is success for us all.

Plans for an Athabasca Sector Meeting were put into works this year. The gathering will unite community, industry, and service providers to share information with community members and will gather input for collective action on the real issues and concerns facing communi-ties in the Far North.

While working to support communities with challenges, it is important to recognize the progress these communities have made this past year. These and many other exam-ples of community development initiatives will continue to be supported by the departments, programs and services provided by the Prince Albert Grand Council.

■ Fond du Lac hosted the grand opening of their new Arena showing the importance of strong partnerships in building community infrastructure.

■ Black Lake continues to move forward in negotiations with Sask Power and the proposed Hydroelectric Dam of Elizabeth Falls while ensuring environmental protection and community benefits are secured.

2012-13 has been a year of tremendous change and growth for our families, communities and the Prince Albert Grand Council. Since being elected as the Athabasca Sector Vice Chief in October, I have spent the last several months working to operationalize my vision for this orga-nization. With support and guidance from the elders and leaders, I set forth to understand the needs and assets of communities in the Grand Council.

Much of my efforts have been put towards communicat-ing and establishing unity between Athabasca communi-ties by providing linkages and facilitating opportunities for leadership to move forward on projects and visions they have for their community. As a liaison, I have worked to support relationships between different levels of govern-ment and industry with our communities.

The outcomes of this past year demonstrate that it is an exciting time for First Nations people. With the inevitability of change, comes the opportunity for us all to be leaders in the positive development of our communities.

I have enjoyed getting out to communities and partici-pating in many cultural events, graduations, academic achievement celebrations, youth recognition ceremonies, community festivals and activities that increase commu-nity pride. It is through these opportunities that I strive to

Vi C e Ch i e F Jo s e P h Ts A n n i e